I’ve recently been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (October 2022) and on Watch and Wait. I have recurring gum infections and abscesses which usually require teeth being extracted. Should I be concerned of any risk?
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Hi @angie18 and welcome to the forum.
That sounds really painful, especially if they are recurring. It must be really hard to deal with.
I think this is probably a question for your medical team. However, I’m sure people will share their experiences. Do you have a clinical nurse you can contact?
I have also copied in @BloodCancerUK_Nurses who I hope can help.
I look forward to hearing more from you 
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Hi @angie18 a great big welcome to posting on our forum
We have had a previous thread that discussed dental issues which I will copy a link to Blood Cancer and Dental Work - Living with and after blood cancer - Blood Cancer UK Forum
I did post on there my personal experiences
Perhaps you are best discussing your personal situation issues with your dentist and medical contact.
Please do let us know how you get on, dental issues are horrible in my mind.
If I cannot eat solid foods after a dental procedure I have tinned custard (hot or cold) with ice cream.
Look after yourself
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Thanks for your response Nichola75. Yes, I do have a dedicated nurse but as a ‘newby’ I was unsure how urgent a problem needed to be before contacting my team.
Will definitely take your advice, thankyou.
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Hello @angie18
Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for posting your question, it is good to ask on here, as many other people are probably wanting answers to these sorts of questions too.
Having Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) certainly increases your chances of infections, as your white cells aren’t functioning as they should. You may have low platelet count too, so bleeding might be a concern if you need any extractions.
Do let you dentist know you have Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), they may want you to have a full blood count before they proceed with any dental work, as they like to know your platelet count, so they are reassured you can ‘clot’ if they have to remove a tooth.
You should also tell your specialist nurse or Haematologist that you have gum infections and abscesses, and that you may need dental work. They may want to advise the dentist on anti-biotic cover, and possibly tablets to help your blood clot, if the platelets are low.
Also, please know that a problem or question doesn’t have to be urgent to contact your nurse. Their role is to support you and provide information on all aspects of your health with regards to your Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) - although it may take a little while for them to get back to you, as clinics and wards are busy do leave a message for them.
If needed, you can ring our support line for information or advice too: 0808 2080 888
I hope you manage to get on top of the infections, and the abscesses settle with input from the Haematologist and Dentist together.
Take care, Heidi.
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Many thanks for your advice on my then pending dental treatment. I contacted my specialist haematology nurse. I have Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and on Watch & Wait. My blood levels are not considered to be too alarming - she thought I need not be concerned. I did though, get a copy of my latest blood count to show my dentist who was quite happy to go ahead with the 2 extractions. No follow up medication required although my gums take a while to heal. I have experienced gum infections on and off for years, long before my Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) diagnosis. I do seem to be susceptible to this kind of infection so don’t know if it’s connected. My main sympton is anxiety… I’m really not the anxious type at all. I also experience fatique and breathlessness, not being able to walk too far. I am though, quite realistic and accepting of my condition having a strong faith and the assurance of knowing I am loved and will be given strength.
Enfoldingly
Angie18
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